Ukrainian Journal of Forest and Wood Science

The current state and structure of the Carpathian forests, the scale of anthropogenic changes, the peculiarities of the use of wood resources, the ecological and economic conditions of the region indicate the need for new methods of forest management. However, without appropriate scientific support, it is practically impossible to implement, since forest biogeocoenoses are characterized by the presence of complex biochemical interactions, the impact on which, without proper scientific justification, can cause irreversible destructive processes in forest ecosystems, in particular, in Bukovinian Precarpathians. Forest ecosystems are constantly changing, therefore, there is a need for constant updating of information about such changes. Based on the stand-wise database of PA “Ukrderzhlisproekt” (as of 01.01.2011) we have analyzed distribution, current state and detailed mensurational characteristics of beech stands that grow in Bukovina. We have calculated the main mean mensurational indices for beech stands and conducted a detailed analysis of growth of this tree species in terms of origin, type of site conditions, age structure, site index classes, relative stocking and share of the tree species in stand composition. The results show that beech stands grow mainly in rich in terms of soil fertility and fresh or wet of soil moisture conditions (most common conditions D₂, D₃ and C₃) but theirproductivity is higher in wet conditions. In terms of stand origin, natural seed stands are dominant. Distribution by age structure is uneven, where the proportion of medieval plantings is 47%, inoculated ones - 25%, instead of youngsters - only 11% and ripe plantings - 16%. The average age of beech stands is 76 yearsThe mean site index class equals I^a, 9, mean relative stocking - 0,69, mean growing stock- 228 m³-ha^-1.

forest beech, modal stands, stock stands, origin of stands, type of site conditions, site index class, relative stocking